Prevailing wage in California
Prevailing Wage in California — Sources checked
Who and what this applies to
Public works under Labor Code §1771, subject to the article’s exceptions.
Thresholds and scope
More than $1,000.
The rules
- Public works costing more than $1,000 require at least the general prevailing rate for the covered workers. Section 1771 applies to contracted work, includes maintenance, and does not apply to work carried out by the public agency with its own forces. Source
Primary sources
Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information. Laws and project facts differ; confirm the applicable requirements for your project.
Back to California contractor law · Prevailing Wage topic guide.
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